4-methyl-3-oxo-delta steroids and methods for preparing same



United States Patent Oflfice 3,076,822 Patented Feb. 5, 1963 This invention is for improvements in or relating to organic compounds and has particular reference to a new method for the preparation of 4-methyl-3-oxo-A -steroids.

It is an object of the invention to provide a new method for the preparation of 4-methyl-3-oxo-A -steroids utilising as starting material a 4-organothiomethyl-3-oXo-A -steroid. The 4-methyl-3-oxo-n -steroids are useful on account of their biological properties, or as intermediates in the preparation of compounds having valuable biological properties. Thus, for example, 4-methyltestosterone has a more favourable anabolic/androgenic index than has testosterone, while 4-methylprogesterone, for example, has progestational activity.

According to the present invention there is provided a method for the preparation of 4-rnethyl-3-oxo-u\ -steroids which comprises reacting a 4-organothiomcthyl-3-oxo- A steroid with a reducing agent to achieve reductive fission of the sulphur-containing group.

The reducing agent is preferably Raney nickel treated in the manner hereinafter described. Zinc dust/alkali metal hydroxide represents another convenient reducing agent.

The invention also provides the following new 4-methyl- 3-oXo-A -steroids:

2a:4-dimethyltestosterone, its acetate, propionate, fi-phenylpropionate, p-chlorophenoxy acetate, which are of value on account of their favourable anabolic/androgenie index.

416a dimethyltestosterone, its 17 acetate, propionate, fl-phenylpropionate, which are of value on account of their favourable anabolic/androgenic index.

17e-acetoxy-4methylprogesterone which is of value on account of its progestational activity.

17a-hydroxy-4-methylprogesterone which is of value as an intermediate for the preparation of the 17a-acyl derivatives.

l7a-acetoxy-4 fiwdimethylprogesterone.

4: l6e-dimethylprogesterone which is of value on account of its progestational activity.

1lp-hydroxy-17a:2U:20:21-bis-methy1enedioxy 4 methylpregn-4-en-3-one which is of value as an intermediate in the preparation of 4-methyl corticoids.

4--methyltestosterone B-phenylpropionate.

4-methyltestosterone phenoxyacetate.

4-methyltestosterone p-chlorophenoxyacetate which are of value on account of their favourable anabolic/androgenic ratios.

4-methyl-17m-caproyloxyprogesterone.

4-methyl-l7a-acetoxy 16 methyleneprogesterone which are of value on account of their progestational activity.

4,17nt-dittt6ihYl-9a-fitl0l0 11 6,1713 dihydroxyandrost 4- en-3-one which is of value on account of its favourable anabolic/ androgenic index.

4-methy1-11,8,l7p-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one which is of value on account of its favourable anabolic/androgenic index.

4-methyl-11m,17,8-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one which is an intermediate for the preparation of the 11 fi-hydroxy derivative into which it may be converted by oxidation to the 3,11,17-trione, NaBH, reduction and MnO; oxidation of the 3-hydroxy group.

4-methylandrost-4-ene-3,11,17-trione which is an intermediate for the preparation of the tl s-hydroxy derivative into which it may be converted by NaBH reduction and MnO oxidation of the 3-hydroxy group.

4-methyldesoxycorticosterone acetate, which is of value on account of its effect upon mineral balance.

The method of the invention may be applied to 4-thiomethyl-3-oXo-A -steroids of the androstane, prcgnane, cholane, cholestane, ergostane, stigmastanc and spirostane series and their 19-nor and D-horno analogues. In general, the following groups do not interfere with the process of the reaction:

Hydroxy (or esterified hydroxyl) or alkoxy groups, in particular at positions C-6, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 20 and 21.

0x0 groups, in particular at positions C1 1, 12, 17 and 20.

Carboxyl groups (or esterified carboxyl groups), in particular at C-21 and 24.

Alkyl groups containing up to live carbon atoms, in particular methyl groups at C-1, 2, 6, 7, 11, i4, 16 and 17 and ethyl groups at C17.

Ketal groups, in particular ethylenedioxy or trirnethylcncdioxy at positions C-12, 17 and 20, bis-methylenedioxy at C17:20:20:21 or substituted methyienedioxy at positions such as C16:17.

Fluoro groups, in particular at position C-9.

Ethyleriic linkages, in particular endocyclic linkages at positions such as 6:7, 7:8, 9:11, 11:12, 14:15, 17:20 and 22:23, and exocyclic linkage in particular such as are present in IG-methylene derivatives, also will not in general interfere with the process of the reaction.

The 4-organothiomethyl-3-oxo-A -steroids employed as starting materials in the present invention are described in our copending application No. 852,971, filed November 16, 1959. They may be prepared by condensing the corresponding 3-oxo A -steroid with formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde and a thiol in the presence of a basic catalyst. It is not essential to isolate the 4-organothiomethyl compounds in crystalline form, as they are generally formed in high yield, so that the total product may be employed for the reaction of the present invention if so desired.

Desulphurisation of the 4-organothiomethyl starting material may be carried out by treating a solution of the organothiomethyl compound with Raney nickel of a suitable reactivity. The preferred solvent is acetone, but other ketonic solvents such as butan-Z-one or cyclohexanone may be employed, either alone or diluted with an inert solvent such as a lower alkanol containing up to 5 carbon atoms. The reactivity of the Raney nickel must first be adjusted so as to prevent saturation of the 4:5- ethylenic linkage, which may occur if a highly active Raney nickel is used. Raney nickel, as ordinarily prepared, my be suitably deactivated by preliminary heating in the ketonic solvent, preferably acetone, in which'the desulphurisation is to be effected, preferably in a slow stream of nitrogen to facilitate removal of the hydrogen gas which is evolved from the nickel. The thiornethyl compound is then added to the suspension of deactivated Raney nickel, and heating is continued until desnlp-hurisation is completed, when the 4-methyl-3-oxo-A -steroid may be isolated, for example, by filtration to remove the nickel and evaporation of the filtrate.

When the thiomethyl compound contains a readily oxidisable hydroxyl group, such as a 17;3-hydroxyl group, it is advisable to protect this group by formation of a derivative such as the acetate or propionate prior to the desulphurisation reaction, in order to avoid partial oxidation of the hydroxyl group to an oxo group, which may occur, with concomitant reduction of a part of the ketonic solvent to the corresponding alcohol, under the catalytic influence of Raney nickel. The hydroxyl group may be regenerated after desulphurisation, if desired, by hydrolysis of the ester, for example, with alcoholic alkali.

Alternatively, when esterified products are required, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that an ester group may be conveniently introduced into the thiomethyl compound. The acyl radical of the ester group may, for example, be derived from a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid containing up to carbon atoms. Thus, for example, in the preparation of a 4--methyl-testosterone ester a 4- alkyl or arylthiomethyltestosterone may be converted by esterification into the appropriate 4-alkyl or arylthiomethyltestosterone ester, and the latter compound treated with Raney nickel to give the required 4-methyltestosterone ester. For the preparation of such products as 4- methyltestosterone zinc dust alkalimetal hydroxide forms a convenient reducing agent.

In applying the reaction to steroidal materials containing the ketol side-chain, such, for example, as cortisone, it is generally desirable to prevent the possibility of participation of the ketol sidechain in the process of the reaction. This is conveniently achieved by ketalisation of the -oxo group or preferably by conversion of the ketol side-chain into the bismet'nylenedioxy derivative. The protecting groups may subsequently be removed.

Following is a description by way of example of methods of carrying the invention into effect:

Example I Raney nickel ml. of settled aqueous sludge) was washed by decantation with acetone (3 x 200 ml.), then covered with acetone (200 ml.), and the mixture was heated under refiux in nitrogen for 1 hour. 4-phenylthiurncthyltestosterone acetate (4.4 g.), dissolved in acetone (60 ml.), was added to the nickel suspension, and heating was continued for 4 hours. The nickel was then removed by filtration, and washed on the filter with hot ethanol (100 ml.) followed by water ml.). The combined filtrates were concentrated under reduced pressure until the product separated in solid form, then the solids were collected and purified from methanol, giving 4-methyltestosterone acetate, M.P. 158 to 160 C., [11], +l02 (c.,0.2l in chloroform), k 249 mu (e=l5,190) in ethanol.

Sapcnification of the foregoing acetate (0.5 g.) by heating under reflux for V2 hour with potassium hydroxide (0.2 g.) in 80% aqueous methanol (20 m1.), and purification from aqueous methanol, gave 4-methyltestosterone, M.P. 172 to 173 C., [11:1 +132 (c., 0.17 in chloroform).

The following esters of 4-methyltcstosterone were prepared in similar manner:

Propionate, n-butyrate, n-valerate, iso-valerate (penta noatc), n'caproate (hexanoate), n-heptylate (heptanoate), n-caprylate (octanoate), n-oenanthate (nonanoate), ncaprate (decanoate), phenylacetate, fl-phenylpropionate, 'y-phenylbutyrate, phenoxyaeetate, p-chlorophenoxyaeetate.

Example 2 4-benzylthiomethyltestosterone (2 g.) in anhydrous pyridine (10 ml.) and acetic anhydride (5 ml.) was heated at 50 C. for 2 hours and the mixture was poured into water. The product was extracted with ether, and the ether extract was washed with water, dilute hydrochloric acid, water, sodium bicarbonate solution and water until neutral, dried over sodium sulphate and evaporated. The total acetylation product in acetone (40 ml.), was added to Raney nickel (20 ml. of sludge) which had been previously heated with acetone (100 ml.) under reflux in nitrogen for 1 hour. After being heated for a further 4 hours, the product was isolated as described in Example 1. Purification from methanol gave 4-methyltestosterone acetate, M.P. and mixed M.P. 158 to 160 C., with the sample prepared in Example 1.

4 Example 3 The procedure of Example 2 was repeated, 4-ethy1- thiomethyltestosterone replacing the 4-benzylthiomethyltestosterone. 4-methyltestosterone acetate was obtained as before.

Example 4 The procedure of Example 2 was repeated employing 4-butylthiomethyltestosterone. 4-methyltestoster0ne acetate was obtained as before.

Example 5 The procedure of Example 2 was repeated employing fl-hydroxyethylthiomethyltestosterone. 4-rnethy1testosterone acetate was obtained as before.

Example 6 Testosterone (5.76 g), ethane dithiol (0.92 ml.), formaldehyde (40% aqueous solution; 3 ml), triethylamine (3 ml.) and ethanol (10 ml.) were heated under rei'lux for 60 hours, the product was isolated by pouring the mixture into a 5% aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide (200 ml), extracting with chloroform, washing this solution, and evaporating the solvent, as a pale yellow oil, A 250 mu. Acetylation of this product, followed by desulphttri tion as described in Example 2 gave 4-methyltestosterone acetate, M.P. 158 to 160 C.

Example 7 Tolucne 3z4-dithiol (3.1 ml.) was substituted for ethane ditlrinl in Example 6. "the thiomcthylation product was obtained as a granular solid.

Acetylation and desulphutisation as described in Example 2 gave 4-rnethyltestosterone acetate, M.P. 158 to 160 C.

Example 8 The procedure of Example 1 was repeated employing Za-methyl-4-phenylthiomethyltestosterone acetate.

Purification from methanol gave 2a-4-dimcthyltestosterone acetate in plates, M.P. 188 to 190 G, A 248 mu :14,480) in ethanol, [11 +117 (c., 0.24 in chloroform).

Similarly the following esters were prepared from the corresponding 2o -me1hyl-tphenylthiomcthyltestosterone esters.

lropionste: plates from methanol, Ml. 136 to 138 C., [M +1095 (c., 0.42 in chloroform), k 247.5 mu (s:14,340) in ethanol.

fl-Phenylpropionate: M.P. 135 to 138 C., [rxh +116 (c., 0.48 in chloroform), A 248 mu (s :l4,900) in ethanol.

p-Chlorophenoxyacetate: M.P. 133 to 134 C., [111 +107 (c., 0.46 in chloroform), A 229 mu (5: 15,910), 248 mu 14,020), 278 mu (e:16-40) and 287 mu (5:1210) in ethanol.

The foregoing acetate (100 mg.) in aqueous methanol (10 ml.) containing potassium hydroxide (50 mg.) was heated under reflux for /2 hour, diluted to turbidity, and the solids which separated on cooling were purified from acetone/hexane (1:3). 2a:4-dimethyl testosterone formed prisms, M.P. 156 to 158 (3., [0:1 +122 (c., 0.72 in chloroform), R 248.5 mu (e: 14,400) in ethanol.

Example 9 17a-methyl-4-phenylthiomethyltestosterone was desulphurised according to Example 1, to give 4: 17a-dimethyltestosterone, M.P. 141 to 142 C., [r115 (c., 0.22 in chloroform), 71 249.5 mu (e=l3,230) in ethanol.

17a-ethyl-4methyltestostcrone was prepared in a similar way.

Example 10 4-phenylthiomethylandrosti-ene-3:17-dione (2.55 g.) 1n acetone (50 ml.) was added to a suspension of Raney nickel (22 ml.) in acetone ml.) which had been previously heated under reflux for 1 hour. The heating was then continued for 4 hours, when the nickel was removed by filtration, and washed with ethanol and water, and the combined filtrates were concentrated under reduced pressure. The separated solids were purified from acetone/hexane to give 4-methylandrost-4-ene-3:17-dione in needles, M.P. 138 to 140 C., +207 (c., 0.72 in chloroform), A 248.5 mu (e=15,320) in ethanol.

Exam ple 11 owmethyl 4 phcnylthiomethylandrost 4 cue-3:17- dione was desulphurised as described in Example and gave 4:6a-dimethylandrost-4-ene-3:l7-dione, which separated from acetone/hexane (1:2) in prisms, M.P. 176 to 178 C., A 249 mu (e=15,030) in ethanol.

Example 12 Raney nickel (11 ml. of settled sludge) was washed by decantation with acetone (3 X 100 ml.), then heated with acetone (45 ml.) under reflux in nitrogen. After 1 hour 4-phenylthiomethylprogesterone (l g.) in acetone (25 ml.) was added, and heating was continued for 4 hours. The nickel was removed by filtration, washed on the filter with hot ethanol (50 ml.) and water (30 ml.), and the combined filtrates were concentrated under reduced pressure until the product separated as a solid. Purification from methanol gave 4-methylprogesterone in rods, M.P. 164 to 166 C., [(21 +2125 (c., 0.29 in chloroform), A 249 mu 15,320) in ethanol, 7mm 1709, 1671 and 1606 cm? in chloroform.

Example 13 4-pher1ylthiomethylpregna-4:9(11)-diene 3:20 dione was desulphurised according to Example 12 to give 4- methylpregna4:9(11)-diene-3.20-dione, which separated from acetone/hexane (1:10) in needles, M.P. 146 to 149 C., A 249 mu (e=14,8U0) in ethanol, [ixj +154 (c., 0.98 in chloroform).

Example 14 Desulphurisation of 17a-acetoxy-4-phenylthiomethylprogesterone (250 mg.) with Raney nickel (5 ml.) as described in Example 12, and purification from acetone/ hexane (1:2) gave 17m acetoxy-4-meth3lprogesterone in prisms, M.P. 142 to 144 C. or 172 to 175 C., [@1 +80 (c., 0.63 in chloroform), a 248.5 mu (5: 13,720 in ethanol), 'y 1736, 1722, 1673 and 1608 cm.- in carbon disulphide.

Saponification of the 17-acetate with 2% methanolic potassium hydroxide gave 17m-hydroxy-4-methylprogesterone, M.P. 239 to 241 C., [(11 +99 (c., 0.97 in chloroform), k 250 mu (e=15,540) in ethanol.

Example 15 Desulphurisation of 17a:20:20:21-bismethylenedioxy 4-phenylthio1nethylpregn-4-ene-3:11-dione (4 g.) with Raney nickel (40 ml.) as described in Example 1, and purification from acetone/hexane (1:2) gave 17a:20:20: 21-bismethylenedioxy-4-methylpregna-4-enc-3: 1 l-dione in plates, M.P. 279 to 284 C. [ail +87 (c., 0.63 in chloroform), A 248 mu (e=l3,700) in ethanol, 7 1706, 1673 and 1601 cm." in carbon tetrachloride.

The foregoing bismethylenedioxy compound (1 g.) in 60% aqueous formic acid (40 ml.) was heated at 100 C., for 20 minutes and then poured into water. Purification of the precipitated solids from acetone/hexane (1:1) gave 4-methylcortisone, M.P. 229 to 233 C., [(11 +212 (c., 0.10 in chloroform), A 248 mu (e=14,050) in ethanol.

Example 16 Desulphurisation of 4-phenylthiomethyl-25D-spirost- 4-en-3-one as described in Example 1 gave 4-methyl-25D- spirost-4-orie in fine needles, M.P. 167 to 170 C., [c1 i0 (c., 0.35 in chloroform), A 251 mu 6 (e=17,620) in ethanol, 7 1669 and 1602 cm. in carbon tetrachloride.

Example 17 The procedure of Example 2 was repeated employing 4 methylthiomethyltestosterone. 4 methyltestosterone acetate was obtained as before.

Example 18 The procedure of Example 2 was repeated employing 4-n decylthiomethyltestosterone. 4 methyltestosterone acetate was obtained as before.

Example 19 The procedure of Example 2 was repeated employing 4-n-dodecyltl1iomethyltestosterone. 4-methyltestosterone acetate was obtained as before.

Example 20 The procedure of Example 2 was repeated employing 4-cyclohexylthiomethyltestostero-ne. 4-methyltestosterone acetate was obtained as before.

Example 21 The procedure of Example 2 was repeated employing 4-p tolylthiomethyltestosterone. 4 methyltestosterone acetate was obtained as before.

Example 22 The procedure of Example 2 was repeated employing 4 allylthiomethyltestosterone. 4 methyltcstosterone acetate was obtained as before.

Example 23 The procedure of Example 2 was repeated employing 4 furfurylthiomethyltestosterone. 4 methyltcstosterone acetate was obtained as before.

Example 24 The procedure of Example 2 was repeated employing 4-(naphthalene-2'-thiomethyl)-testosterone.

4-methyltestosterone acetate was obtained as before.

Example 25 The procedure of Example 6 was repeated, decanelzlfl-dithiol replacing ethane dithiol. 4-m-ethyltcstosterone acetate was obtained as before.

Example 26 The procedure of Example 2 was repeated employing 175 hydroxy 4 phenylthiomethylandrosta 4:6 dien- 3-one. Purification of the product from aqueous methanol gave 17,8-acetoxy-4-inethy1androsta-4:6-dien-3- one in needles, M.P. 154 to C., [0:1 +87 (0., 0.11 in chloroform), A 289 mu (is: 29,180) in ethanol.

Saponification of the foregoing acetate as in Example 1 gave 17s hydroxy 4-methylandrosta-4:6-dien-3-one which separated as prisms from aqueous methanol, M.P. 132 to 134 C., A 289.5 mu (e=29,440) in ethanol.

Example 27 The procedure of Example 2 was repeated employing 6a-methyl-4-phenylthiomethyltestosterone. Purification of the product from methanol gave 426a-dimethy1- testosterone acetate, M.P. 155 to 158 C., A 250 mu (e=14,73[)) in ethanol. Similarly was prepared 4,6cz-dimethyltestosterone propionate, needles from methanol, M.P. 126 to 128 C., [M +8.5" (c., 0.42 in chloroform) A 250 mu (e:l3,935) in ethanol and 4,6adimethyltestosterone p-phenylpropionate, M.P. 146 to 148 C., [ch +24 (c., 0.38 in chloroform) A 251 mu (e=13,5DD) in ethanol.

Saponification of the foregoing acetate as in Example 1 gave 4:6at-diniethyltestosterone, which separated from acetone/hexane (1:2) in prisms, M.P. 228 to 230 C., +14 (c., 0.22 in chloroform), A 251 mu (e=13,890) in ethanol.

7 Example 28 The procedure of Example 2 was repeated, employing 4-phenylthion1ethyl-D-homotcstosterone, when the product was 4-methyLD-homotestosterone acetate. Suponification as in Example 1 gave 4-metl1yl-D-homotestosterone, A 249 mu.

Example 29 6-methyl-4-phenylthiomethylandrosta-4:6-diene 3:17- dione was dcsulphurised as described in Example 10, to give 4:6-dimethylandrosta-4:6-diene-3:17-dionc.

Example 30 4-phcnylthiomethylcholest 4 en 3 one was desulphurised according to Example 1, and gave 4-methylcholest-4-en-3-o-ne which separated from ethanol in prisms, M.P. 101 to 103 C., [01],; +l08 (c., 0.35 in chloroform), A 251 mu (e=15,900) in ethanol.

Example 31 4-phenylthiomethylstigmasta-4:22-dien-3-onc was desulphurised according to Example 1, and gave 4-methy sligmasta-4:22-ciien-3-one, prisms from ethanol, MP. 83 to 86 C., [M +6l (c., 0.77 in chloroform), 71 252 mu (e=l4,99i)) in ethanol, 3061, 1676 and 1600 cm." in carbon tetrachloride 972 emf in carbon disulphide.

Example 32 4-phcnylthiomethylergosta-4:7:22-trien-3-one was dcsulphurised according to Example 1 and gave 4 methyiergosta-4:7z22-trien-3-one prisms from ethanol, MP. 125 to 127 C., [11],; +59 (0.42 in chloroform) k 247.5 mu (e=18,590) in ethanol 'y 1668 and 1603 cm." in carbon tetrachloride.

Example 33 Methyl 3-oxo-4-phenylthiomethylchol-4-en-24-oatc was desulphurised according to Example 1 and gave methyl-3- oxo-4-methylchol-4-en-24-oate leaflets from methanol, MP. 100 to 103 C., [@1 3 +80 (c., 0.89 in chloroform) A 250 mu (6 13.980) in ethanol.

Example 34 The procedure of Example 2 was repeated employing 7;3-methyl-4-phenylthiomethyltestosterone, when the product was 4:7fl-climcthyltcstosterone acetate.

Saponification as in Example 1 gave 4:7;i-dimethyltestosterone.

Example 35 The procedure of Example 14 was repeated employing 170: caproyloxyl-phenylthiomethylprogresterone, when the product was 17a-caproyloxy-4-methylprogesterone, needles from acetone/hexane (1:6), M.P. 122 to 124 C., [011 (c., 0.58 in chloroform), h 248.5 mu (e=14,740) in ethanol. 'y 1734, 1719, 1669 and 1610 cm.- in carbon tetrachloride.

The following other Her-esters were prepared in the same way:

Propionate, n-butyrate, iso-butyrate, n-valerate, isovalerate.

Example 36 The procedure of Example 12 was repeated employing 174! acetoxy-6a-methyl-4-phenyltl1iomethylprogestcrone, when the product was 17a-acetoxy-4:fia-dimethylprogesterone, M.P. about 137 C., [011 +5 (c., 0.25 in chloroform), M 249 (e=12,975) in ethanol.

Saponification of the 17a'acctate with 2% methanolic potassium hydroxide gave 17a-hydroxy-4:6oz-dimethylprogresterone.

Example 37 1Soc-methyl-4-phenylthiomethylprogresterone was desulphurised according to Example 12, when the product was 4:1fiwdimethylprogesterone, which separated from 8 acetone/hexane (1:2) in leaflets, M.P. 152 to 154 C., M1 +173 (c., 0.35 in chloroform), A 249 mu (e:l6,270) in ethanol.

Example 38 a: a dimethylmethylenedioxy-4-phenylthiomethylprogesterone treated according to Example 12 gave 4- methyl 160G170: dimcthyln'lethylenedioxyprogresterone which separated from aqueous methanol in needles, MP. 217 to 22 C., A 2485 inn (E 16,005) in ethanol.

Example 39 4 phenylthiomethylpregna 4: l l-dicne-3 :ZO-dione Was dcsulphurised according to Example 12 and gave 4-mcthylregnal: 1l-dicne-3 :20dione.

Example 40 4-phcnyltniomcthyl-l9-no1'tcstosterone was acetylated and desulphurised according to Example 2 to give 4- methyl-Boron-testosterone acetate which separated from aqueous methanol in prisms, M1. 122 to 123 C., [M +51 (c., 0.43 in chloroform), h 248 mu (a: 16,230) in ethanol.

Saponification as in Example 1 gave 4-rnethyll9- nortestostcrone, MP. 156 to 157 C., [@1 +50 (C., 0.47 in chlorot'orm), 250 mu (e 15,350) in ethanol.

Example 41 1-methyl-4-ph=3nylthiomethyl l9 nortcstosterone was :tcctyluted and dcsulp'nuriscd according to Example 2 to give l:4-dimcthyl-l9-norlcstoslerone acetate.

Saponificution as in Example 1 gave 114-dimethyl- 19-nortestosterone.

Example 42 9o: fluoro-17e:20:20:21-his-methylenedioxy-4-phenylthiomethylpregn-4-ene-3:ll-dione was desulphurised according to Example 12 to give 9ca-llu0l0-l7 xi29220221- hiwnethylenedioxy-4-n1eti'tylprcgn-4-cne-3: 1 l-dione.

Removal of the protecting bis-methylenedioxy group as in Example 15 gave 9a-fiuoro-4-methylcortisone.

Example 43 14a-methyl-17a:20:20:2l-bis-methylenedioxy-4-phenylthiomethylprcgn-4-ene-3:ll-dionc was dcsulphurised according to Example 12 to give 4:14a-dirnethyl- 17mr20: 20:2l-bis-methylenedioxypregn-4-ene-3 1 l-dionc.

Removal of the protecting bis-mclhylenedioxy group as in Example 15 gave 4: ldwrlimethylcortisone.

Example 44 14a-methyl-4-phenylthiomethylcortisome was acetaylated and desulphuriscd according to Example 2 to give 4214mdimcthylcortisonc acetate.

Saponiflcation of the foregoing compound mg.) with potassium bicarbonate (60 mg.) in 80% aqueous methanol (12 ml.) under reflux for 20 minutes, gave 4:l4fidimcthylcortisone identical with the sample prepared in Example 43.

Example 45 3 ox0-4-phenylthiomethy1pregua-4: l'i tZUJ-dienQl-oic acid was desulphurised according to Example to give 3oxo-4-methylpregna-4: 17(20)-dien-21-oic acid.

Example 48 11,8 hydroxy-l7a:20:20:21 bis methylenedioxy 4- phenylthiomethylprcgn-4-cn-3--one, was desulphurised according to Example 12 to give 11,6-hydroxy-17m20;20:2]- bis-mathylencdioxyl-methylprcgn-4-cn-3-one, which separnted from chloroform/ethanol (1:2) in prisms, M.P. 207 to 209 C., A 2505 mu (e=14,220) in ethanol.

Removal of the protecting bis-methylenedioxy group according to Example gave 11/3:17a:21-trihydroxy-4- methylpregn-4-ene-3:20 dione (4-methylhydrocortisonc)- Example 49 14a-hydroxy4-phenylthiomethylprogestcrone was desulphurised according to Example 12 to give l4a-hydroxy- 4-methylprogcsteronc.

Example 50 170::20220221 bis-methylenedioxy-4-phenylthiomethylpregna-4114dier1e-3:ll-dione was dcsulphurised according to Example 12 to give 17 x:2():20:Zl-bisanethylenedioxy-4-methylpregna-4:14-dicne-3z1l-dione.

emoval of the protecting bis-methylencdioxy-group according to Example 15 gave 17a:2l-dihydroxy-4- methylpregna4: l4-diene-3:11:20-trione.

Example 51 11,9 hydroxy 11: methyl 4 phenylthiomethyl testosterone was acetylated and desulphurised according to Example 2 to give llB-hydroxy-4:11a-dimethyltcstos terone17-acetatc.

Saponification according to Example 1 gave lip-hydroxy-4: 1 1u-dimethyltestosterone Example 52 20:20 ethylencdioxy 4 phenylthiomethylpregn 4 end-one was desulphurised according to Example 12 to give 20 20-ethylenedioxy-4-methylpregn-4-en-3-onc.

Example 53 11a-hydroxy-4-phenylthiomcthylprogesterone was desulphurised by the process of Example 12, and the product purified from acetone/hexane and from aqueous methanol (60%) to give 11a-hydroxy-4-methyiprogesterone, as flakes, M.P. 168 to 171 C., lotj +l4 6 (c., 0.39 in chloroform), Amnx, 250.5 mu (e=12,(]60) in ethanol.

Example 54 4-phenylthiomethylpregn-4-ene-3,11,20-trione was desulphurised by the process of Example 12 and the product purified from acetone/hexane (1:3) to give 4-methylpregn-4-ene-3,11,20-trione as prisms, M.P. 179 to 181 C., [01], +277 (c., 0.50 in chloroform), Amax. 248 mu (e=13,355) in ethanol, 7mm 1700, 1669, 1601 cm. in carbon tetrachloride.

Example 55 Example 56 The procedure of Example 55 was repeated employing 10 phenoxyacetyl chloride instead of p-phenylpropionyl chloride.

4-phenylthiomethyltestosterone phenoxyacctatc was obtained, and was converted by desulphurisation into 4- mcthyltestosterone phenoxyacetatc, M.P. 164 C.

Example 5 7 The procedure of Example 55 was repeated employing p-chlorophenoxyacetyl chloride. 4-phenylthiomethyltestosterone p-chlorophenoxyacetate was obtained, and was converted by desulphurisation into 4-methyltestosteronc p-chlorophenoxyacetate, M.P. 169 to 170" C.

Example 58 11a hydroxy 4 phcnylthiomethyltestosterone, treatecl according to the process of Example 12, gave a prodnot which was purified from ethyl acetate to give hydroxy-4-mcthyltcstosterone as solvatcd crystals, M.P. to C., with frothing, or M.P. about 180 C. after drying at 100 C. in vacuo, [@1 +66 (C., 0.60 in chloroform) A 250.5 mu (e:l2,900) in ethanol, 'y 1658, 1602 cm.- in methylene chloride.

Example 59 4-phenylthiornethylondrost-4cue-3,11,17-trione, treated according to the process of Example 12, gave l-methylandrost4-ene-3,1 1,17-trione as prisms (from acetone hexane 1:4), M.P. 166 to 168 C., [(1113 +307 (c., 0.85 in chloroform), a 247.5 mu (s=l2,670) in ethanol, 7mm 1746, 1711, 1669 and 1606 cm. in carbon tctrachloride.

Exampl 60 11,8 hydroxy 4 phenylthiomethyltestostcrone, treated according to the process of Example 12, gave 11 3- hydroxy 4-methyltestosterone, flakes from methylene chloride/hexane, M.P. about 256 C., 7m. 3400, 1650, 1605 era.- in Nujol, A 251 mu (e=l2,960) in ethanol.

Example 61 901 fluoro 1113,17,? dihydroxy 17a methyl 4 phenylthiomethylandrostl-en3-one, treatcd according to the process of Example 12, gave 9ca-flUOFOJlfLl7fl-(lh hydroxy-4,17a-dimethylandrost-4-en-3-one, needles from aqueous methanol, M.P. 213 to 216 C., [0:1 +111 (c., 0.42 in chloroform, A 249 mu (e:16,440) in ethanol.

Example 62 Ethyl 3 0x0 4 phenylthiomcthylpregna 4,17(20) dien-2l-oate, treated according to the process of Exampic 12, gave ethyl 3-oxo-4-methylpregna-4,17(20)-dien- 21-oate, flakes from aqueous methanol (60%), M.P. 130 to 132 C., [a] +109 (c., 0.14 in chloroform), A 225 mu (e=18,670) and 240 to 245 mu (e=17,820) in ethanol, 'y 1708, 1665, 1604 cm.- in carbon tetrachloride.

Example 63 hydroxy 4 phenylthiomethyltestosterone, treated according to the process of Example 2, gave 16a,17fidiscctoxy-4-methylandrost4-en-3-one.

Saponification of the foregoing diacetate with potassium hydroxide in aqueous methanol gave lfia-hydroxy- 4-1nethyltestosterone.

Example 64 16:1,17a benzylidencdioxy 4 phcnylthiomethylpro gesterone, treated according to the process of Example 12, gave 16a,17a-benzylidenedioxyl-methylprogesterone. Example 65 20,20 ethylenedioxy 17a hydroxy 4 (p tolyl thiomethyl)pregn--4-en-3-one, treated according to the process of Example 12, gave 20,20-ethylenedioxy-17ahydroxy-4-methylpregn-4-en-3-onc, needles from methyl- 11 ene chloride/methanol (1:10), M.P. 228 to 230 C., [(11 +77 (c., 0.55 in chloroform), A 250 mu (e::l4,530) in ethanol.

The foregoing ethylenedioxy compound was treated with 90% aqueous acetic acid overnight at room temperature, and the product purified from methylene chloride/methanol to give l7a-hydroxy-4-methylprogcstcrone, MP. 239 to 241 C., [111 +99 (c., 0.97 in chloroform), A 250 mu ($115,540) in ethanol.

Example 66 l7e-acetoxy-lfi-methylene 4 phenylthiomethylpregn- 4-ene-3,20-dione, treated according to the process of Ex ample 12, gave 17a-acetoxy-4-methyl-l6-methylenepregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, flakes from aqueous methanol, MP. 212 to 214 C., [x1 -43 (c., 0.8 in chloroform), A 249 mu (e=15,490) in ethanol.

Example 67 7,7-dimethyl-4-phenylthiornethylcholest-4-en 3 one,

treated according to the process of Example 12, gave 4,7,7-trimethylcholestt-en-3-one.

Example 68 21-acctoXy-20,ZO-ethylenedioxy 4 phenylthiomethylprcgn-4-en-3-one, treated according to the process of Example 12 gave 2l-acetoXy-20.ZO-ethylcnedioxyl-methylpregn-4-en-3-one, A 249 mu.

The foregoing compound was treated with potassium carbonate in 80% aqueous methanol under reflux for 2 hours to give 21-hydroxy-20,20-ethylenedioxyl-methylpregn-4-en3-one.

The last compound, in acetone containing 1% of N. aqueous hydrochloric acid was converted into Zl-hydroxy- 4-methylpregn-4-ene-3,20-dione which was converted by acetylation with acetic anhydride/pyridine (1:1) overnight at room temperature into 2l-acetoxy-l-methylpregn- 4-ene-3,20dione, purified from methanol to give prisms, M.P. 175 to 176 C., [431L329 +193 (c., 0.20 in chloroform), A 249 mu (e:15,000) in ethanol; 'y 1755, 1730, 1672 and 1611 cm? in carbon tetrachloride.

Example 69 Zinc dust (60 g.) was washed with dilute hydrochloric acid (50 ml. concentrated acid +100 ml. freshly boiled and cooled distilled water) then washed twice with freshly boiled and cooled distilled water (100 ml.) and twice with acetone (200 1111.). To this zinc was added 4- phenylthiomethyltestosterone g.) in acetone (100 ml.), and potassium hydroxide (6 g).

This mixture was stirred and heated under reflux for 5 hours, filtered and the solids well-washed with acetone. The acetone filtrates were concentrated under reduced pressure and poured into Water (3 litres). The precipitated solids were collected and dried, then treated with acetic anhydride (40 ml.) and pyridine ml.) at 90 C. for 1.5 hours, and the product precipitated in cold water and dried. Purification from methanol gave 4- methylwstosterone acetate, MP. 158 to 160 C.

Example 70 4-(ti-carboxyethylthiomethyl)-testosterone, treated according to the process of Example 2, gave 4-methyltestosterone acetate, M1. 158 to 160 C.

Example 71 47p) mcthoxycarborzylethylthiomethyl) testosterone, treated according to the process of the process of Example 2, gave 4-methyltestosterone acetate, MP. 158 to 160 C.

Example 72 4-(13 ethylthiomethylthiomethyl) testosterone, treated according to the process of Example 2, but employing twice the quantity of Honey nickel, gave 4-methyltestosterone acetate.

We claim:

1. A method for the preparation of 4-mcthyl-3-oxo-A steroids which comprises reacting a 4-organothiomethyl- 3-oxo-A -steroid with a reducing agent selected from the group consisting of deactivated Haney nickel and zinc in the presence of an alkali base to achieve reductive fission of the sulphur-containing group.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the re ducing agent is Rancy nickel suspended in a ketonic solvent.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the Raney nickel is deactivated by preliminary heating in a ketonic solvent and the 4-organothiomethyl-3-oxo--A -steroid is added to the resulting suspension of deactivated Raney nickel.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the reducing agent is zinc dust and alkali metal hydroxide.

5. 4:6e-dirnethyltestosterone having a melting point of 228230 C., [aJ +l4 (c., 0.22 in chloroform), )t 251 mu (e:l3,890) in ethanol, and acyl esters thereof, wherein the acyl group is derived from a hydrocarbon carhoxylic acid containing up to 10 carbon atoms.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,753,360 Kaspar ct al July 3, 1956 2,891,075 Sondheimer et a1 June 16, 1959 FOREEGN PATENTS 737,773 Great Britain Sept. 28, 1955 OTHER REFERENCES Fieser et 31.: Natural Products Related to Phenanthrene, 3rd Edition (1949), page 422.

Feshrnnnn: Endocrinology, vol. 57, pages 64657 (1955).

Neher et al.: Helv. Chim. Acta," vol. 39 (1956), pages 2062-88.

Ringold et al.: Journal of Organic Chemistry," vol. 21 (1956) pages 1333-1335.

Sondheimer et al.: J.A.C.S.," vol. 79 (1957), pages 2906 to 2910.

Ringold et at: Journal of Organic Chemistry, vol. 22 (1957), pages 99-100.

Babcock et 211.: "Journal of American Chemical Society, vol. 80 (1958), pages l904-5.

Ringold et 2.1.: "Journal of American Chemical Society, vol. 81 (1.959), pages 427-9. 

5. 4:6A-DIMETHYLTESTOSTERONE HAVING A MELTING POINT OF 228-230*C., (A)D25 + 14* (C., 0.22 IN CHLOROFORM), $MAX. 251 MU (E=13,890) IN ETHANOL, AND ACYL ESTERS THEREOF, WHEREIN THE ACYL GROUP IS DERIVED FROM A CYDROCARBON CARBOXYLIC ACID CONTAINING UP TO 10 CARBON ATOMS. 